![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Dog-Christmas-Tree-Safety-_-Alternatives.jpg\")
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Dog Safety around Christmas Trees<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you put your Health and Safety hat on, stand back and assess risks posed by a tree, you might be in for a nasty surprise. Let’s take a look at that check list of no-no’s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Tinsel and Foil Icicles: Love tinsel draped over the tree? So do dogs, but not for the same reason. What a dog sees is a shiny toy waiting to be pawed or chewed. When swallowed the string-like quality of tinsel can make it knot up the bowel, which then needs emergency surgery to correct.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Glass baubles: While the dog’s protecting the home from the tinsel snake, a glass bauble smashes on the floor. A cut pad is inevitable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Food decorations: Those chocolate coins and food tree decorations like candy canes or sugar coated popcorn are an open invitation for a dog to gorge themself and risk chocolate or other toxicity…and that’s without even thinking about those edible gifts waiting under the tree.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Electrical cables: Fairy lights need power, which means an additional spaghetti of electrical cables waiting to be chewed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fake snow: Fake snow can look good enough to eat, which for our canines can lead to choke hazards and bowel blockages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Run off Water: Don’t let your dog drink from the drip tray beneath the tree. This water is high in chemicals and fertilizers which are harmful to dogs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Falling Trees: Unless properly anchored the tree could be knocked over and fall, injuring your furry friend.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/akemi-photography-christmas-tree-1.jpg\")
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Has this appraisal changed you mind about a real Christmas tree? Then don’t despair. With a little creative thinking there’s no need to make seasonal sacrifices for safety’s sake. Take a look at these safe (but fantastically festive) Christmas tree alternatives, which are the best of both worlds because they’re stunning and dog-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dog Safe Christmas Tree Alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nArty Christmas Trees<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Dog-Friendly-Christmas-Trees-1.jpg\")
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{1}<\/a> ~ In a minimalist pad with white walls, a decal Christmas tree makes for a fantastic festive impact. Simply stick seasonal snowflake decals on the wall in the shape of a tree. Simple but impactful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{2}<\/a> ~ Just moved into a new place, not had time to decorate and got bare plaster walls? This is no bar to a dog-safe festive display. Tear strips of white card in every longer lengths than duck-tape them to the wall in the shape of a Christmas tree. Use creativity to create a house-warming sight to remember, even if everything else is still in packing cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{3}<\/a> ~ Consider creating a wall-hanging. For those skilled with a sewing machine you could make a patchwork tree, or keep things really simple by using fabric paints. The finished effect gives a naive craft effect that shows you’ve taken the time to be different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{4}<\/a> And if you fancy something a little more tactile this is easily done by taking a large sheet of green raffia matting and cut it into a suitably sized tree and then attach to the wall. You can arrange wrapped parcels underneath to give that extra Christmassy feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{5}<\/a> ~ Why not fulfil two purposes at once? Display your Christmas cards creatively by arranging them in a tree-shape on the wall using blu-tac. This also gives your guests the extra pleasure of picking out their card out from amongst an eye-catching display. <\/p>\n\n\n\n{6}<\/a> ~ Create an heirloom piece with a box canvass and green acrylic paint. Have the family dip their hands in the paint and then place palm prints in a tree shape on the canvas. This makes a highly individual piece of wall art that you can bring out year after year, and reminisce how much the kids have grown. Or make with dog paws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{7}<\/a> ~ If you’re creative juices let you down and you’re scratching your head for ideas, then keep an eye out for life-sized tree stickers. Simply purchase these attractive full-sized tree decals, peel off the backing, and attach to a wall to form a festive focal point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n{8} <\/a>~ And if a wall-hanging sounds like too much effort, then how about getting a large blackboard and draw a chalk Christmas tree, the only limit to the design being your imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWood & Stick Trees<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere’s definitely something special about a free-standing tree, so if you can’t shake the feeling that it wouldn’t be Christmas without a focal point to put presents under, how about a wooden tree?<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Dog-Friendly-Christmas-Trees-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
{9}<\/a> ~ Tux with his home made pallet tree. Upcycling & dog safety all in one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n{10}<\/a> ~ For the handy man or woman amongst you, get crafty with ever increasing lengths of wood painted green. Drill a hole at one end and mount them spiral wise on a central piece of doweling to create a suitably spiky tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{11}<\/a> ~ To make a magical shelf-sized tree, how about using the same stacking idea of arranging objects of decreasing size in a spiral, and use books to make a tree? Strikingly effective for the bookworm in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{12<\/a>, 13<\/a>, 14<\/a>} ~ Making a free-standing Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive. Salvage an old wooden pallet and either paint a tree on it or cut the slats into decreasing lengths to create a 3D tree. Add extra sparkle and cheer by adorning it with fairy lights for a suitably seasonal vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{15}<\/a> Alternatively, driftwood branches make for an attractive silhouette.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnother option is to take a tree branch and spray paint it white, then mount it in a matching bucket or tub. For maximum impact keep the decorations to a limited colour palate, perhaps restricted to white plus one other colour, such as red.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Light Fantastic Trees<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Dog-Friendly-Christmas-Trees-3.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
{16<\/a>, 17<\/a>, 18<\/a>} ~ If the main appeal of a tree is to provide a frame for fairy lights, then ditch the actual tree and use the lights to create a tree-shape. From fixing extra long ropes of light into a tree outline on the wall, to cutting out a tree silhouette and back-lighting it, this makes for a bright and attractive alternative takes on interior design.<\/p>\n\n\n\nReal Tree Safety<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Dog](\"https:\/\/puppytales.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Dog-Friendly-Christmas-Trees-4.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If it’s simply not Christmas without a real tree, then think the following ideas may help ensure your dogs safety:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
{19}<\/a> ~ Form a festive barricade using large cardboard boxes covered in wrapping paper to prevent your four-legger getting to the tree<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Has this appraisal changed you mind about a real Christmas tree? Then don’t despair. With a little creative thinking there’s no need to make seasonal sacrifices for safety’s sake. Take a look at these safe (but fantastically festive) Christmas tree alternatives, which are the best of both worlds because they’re stunning and dog-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dog Safe Christmas Tree Alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nArty Christmas Trees<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
{1}<\/a> ~ In a minimalist pad with white walls, a decal Christmas tree makes for a fantastic festive impact. Simply stick seasonal snowflake decals on the wall in the shape of a tree. Simple but impactful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{2}<\/a> ~ Just moved into a new place, not had time to decorate and got bare plaster walls? This is no bar to a dog-safe festive display. Tear strips of white card in every longer lengths than duck-tape them to the wall in the shape of a Christmas tree. Use creativity to create a house-warming sight to remember, even if everything else is still in packing cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{3}<\/a> ~ Consider creating a wall-hanging. For those skilled with a sewing machine you could make a patchwork tree, or keep things really simple by using fabric paints. The finished effect gives a naive craft effect that shows you’ve taken the time to be different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{4}<\/a> And if you fancy something a little more tactile this is easily done by taking a large sheet of green raffia matting and cut it into a suitably sized tree and then attach to the wall. You can arrange wrapped parcels underneath to give that extra Christmassy feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{5}<\/a> ~ Why not fulfil two purposes at once? Display your Christmas cards creatively by arranging them in a tree-shape on the wall using blu-tac. This also gives your guests the extra pleasure of picking out their card out from amongst an eye-catching display. <\/p>\n\n\n\n{6}<\/a> ~ Create an heirloom piece with a box canvass and green acrylic paint. Have the family dip their hands in the paint and then place palm prints in a tree shape on the canvas. This makes a highly individual piece of wall art that you can bring out year after year, and reminisce how much the kids have grown. Or make with dog paws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{7}<\/a> ~ If you’re creative juices let you down and you’re scratching your head for ideas, then keep an eye out for life-sized tree stickers. Simply purchase these attractive full-sized tree decals, peel off the backing, and attach to a wall to form a festive focal point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n{8} <\/a>~ And if a wall-hanging sounds like too much effort, then how about getting a large blackboard and draw a chalk Christmas tree, the only limit to the design being your imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWood & Stick Trees<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere’s definitely something special about a free-standing tree, so if you can’t shake the feeling that it wouldn’t be Christmas without a focal point to put presents under, how about a wooden tree?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
{9}<\/a> ~ Tux with his home made pallet tree. Upcycling & dog safety all in one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n{10}<\/a> ~ For the handy man or woman amongst you, get crafty with ever increasing lengths of wood painted green. Drill a hole at one end and mount them spiral wise on a central piece of doweling to create a suitably spiky tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{11}<\/a> ~ To make a magical shelf-sized tree, how about using the same stacking idea of arranging objects of decreasing size in a spiral, and use books to make a tree? Strikingly effective for the bookworm in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{12<\/a>, 13<\/a>, 14<\/a>} ~ Making a free-standing Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive. Salvage an old wooden pallet and either paint a tree on it or cut the slats into decreasing lengths to create a 3D tree. Add extra sparkle and cheer by adorning it with fairy lights for a suitably seasonal vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n{15}<\/a> Alternatively, driftwood branches make for an attractive silhouette.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnother option is to take a tree branch and spray paint it white, then mount it in a matching bucket or tub. For maximum impact keep the decorations to a limited colour palate, perhaps restricted to white plus one other colour, such as red.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Light Fantastic Trees<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
{16<\/a>, 17<\/a>, 18<\/a>} ~ If the main appeal of a tree is to provide a frame for fairy lights, then ditch the actual tree and use the lights to create a tree-shape. From fixing extra long ropes of light into a tree outline on the wall, to cutting out a tree silhouette and back-lighting it, this makes for a bright and attractive alternative takes on interior design.<\/p>\n\n\n\nReal Tree Safety<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If it’s simply not Christmas without a real tree, then think the following ideas may help ensure your dogs safety:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
{19}<\/a> ~ Form a festive barricade using large cardboard boxes covered in wrapping paper to prevent your four-legger getting to the tree<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
{1}<\/a> ~ In a minimalist pad with white walls, a decal Christmas tree makes for a fantastic festive impact. Simply stick seasonal snowflake decals on the wall in the shape of a tree. Simple but impactful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n {2}<\/a> ~ Just moved into a new place, not had time to decorate and got bare plaster walls? This is no bar to a dog-safe festive display. Tear strips of white card in every longer lengths than duck-tape them to the wall in the shape of a Christmas tree. Use creativity to create a house-warming sight to remember, even if everything else is still in packing cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n {3}<\/a> ~ Consider creating a wall-hanging. For those skilled with a sewing machine you could make a patchwork tree, or keep things really simple by using fabric paints. The finished effect gives a naive craft effect that shows you’ve taken the time to be different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n {4}<\/a> And if you fancy something a little more tactile this is easily done by taking a large sheet of green raffia matting and cut it into a suitably sized tree and then attach to the wall. You can arrange wrapped parcels underneath to give that extra Christmassy feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n {5}<\/a> ~ Why not fulfil two purposes at once? Display your Christmas cards creatively by arranging them in a tree-shape on the wall using blu-tac. This also gives your guests the extra pleasure of picking out their card out from amongst an eye-catching display. <\/p>\n\n\n\n {6}<\/a> ~ Create an heirloom piece with a box canvass and green acrylic paint. Have the family dip their hands in the paint and then place palm prints in a tree shape on the canvas. This makes a highly individual piece of wall art that you can bring out year after year, and reminisce how much the kids have grown. Or make with dog paws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n {7}<\/a> ~ If you’re creative juices let you down and you’re scratching your head for ideas, then keep an eye out for life-sized tree stickers. Simply purchase these attractive full-sized tree decals, peel off the backing, and attach to a wall to form a festive focal point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n {8} <\/a>~ And if a wall-hanging sounds like too much effort, then how about getting a large blackboard and draw a chalk Christmas tree, the only limit to the design being your imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s definitely something special about a free-standing tree, so if you can’t shake the feeling that it wouldn’t be Christmas without a focal point to put presents under, how about a wooden tree?<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n {9}<\/a> ~ Tux with his home made pallet tree. Upcycling & dog safety all in one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n {10}<\/a> ~ For the handy man or woman amongst you, get crafty with ever increasing lengths of wood painted green. Drill a hole at one end and mount them spiral wise on a central piece of doweling to create a suitably spiky tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n {11}<\/a> ~ To make a magical shelf-sized tree, how about using the same stacking idea of arranging objects of decreasing size in a spiral, and use books to make a tree? Strikingly effective for the bookworm in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n {12<\/a>, 13<\/a>, 14<\/a>} ~ Making a free-standing Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive. Salvage an old wooden pallet and either paint a tree on it or cut the slats into decreasing lengths to create a 3D tree. Add extra sparkle and cheer by adorning it with fairy lights for a suitably seasonal vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n {15}<\/a> Alternatively, driftwood branches make for an attractive silhouette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another option is to take a tree branch and spray paint it white, then mount it in a matching bucket or tub. For maximum impact keep the decorations to a limited colour palate, perhaps restricted to white plus one other colour, such as red.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n {16<\/a>, 17<\/a>, 18<\/a>} ~ If the main appeal of a tree is to provide a frame for fairy lights, then ditch the actual tree and use the lights to create a tree-shape. From fixing extra long ropes of light into a tree outline on the wall, to cutting out a tree silhouette and back-lighting it, this makes for a bright and attractive alternative takes on interior design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If it’s simply not Christmas without a real tree, then think the following ideas may help ensure your dogs safety:<\/p>\n\n\n\n {19}<\/a> ~ Form a festive barricade using large cardboard boxes covered in wrapping paper to prevent your four-legger getting to the tree<\/p>\n\n\n\nWood & Stick Trees<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLight Fantastic Trees<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nReal Tree Safety<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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